Servicing And MOT Check: What is the Difference?

What is an MOT Test?

An MOT test and a service are two of the most important components of car ownership, but they are often confused. To help you understand the differences between the two, this article will explain what an MOT test is and the differences between a service and an MOT. We'll also look at what is checked during an MOT and when it's best to service your car before an MOT, and what the average cost of a full car service in the UK is. 

MOT stands for "Ministry of Transport" test and is an annual check-up on cars and light commercial vehicles over a certain age (three years old for most cars). The test checks all the key vehicle components and systems, such as brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights and emissions, to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. If the vehicle fails any of the checks, it cannot be used on the road until any necessary repairs or adjustments have been made. It is important that you keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition at all times. An MOT will make sure that your vehicle meets the minimum legal standard. 

The Differences between a Service and an MOT

There is a fundamental difference between an MOT and a service. An MOT is an annual check to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety regulations, while a service is designed to check the overall health of your vehicle to keep it running smoothly. A service should be done every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) to check things like oil, filters, brakes and other vital components. An MOT test will not inform you if mechanical components need replacing or adjusting. This is why a service should be carried out regularly to check the health of your vehicle. 

What is checked during an MOT?

A vehicle MOT covers a number of different items, from the overall condition of your vehicle to its individual features and components. During the process of an MOT, the following will be checked: 

• Seat belts 
• Windscreen wipers and washers 
• Lights 
• Horn 
• Brakes 
• Fuel system 
• Steering and suspension 
• Exhaust emissions 
• Tyres and their treads 
• Vehicle registration plate 
• VIN number 
• Bodywork 
• Doors 
• Mirrors 

Should I service my car before an MOT?

Ensuring that you have a car service before an MOT is recommended. Although you don't need to service your vehicle just for an MOT test, servicing your car beforehand can save you time and money. The purpose of a service is to check the condition of parts and systems, and most reputable garages will come with a list of items that need to be checked so they can pass the test. If something doesn't pass the test, then it's likely to be costly to fix. Having a service beforehand can help identify any potential problems.

What is the average cost of a full car service in the UK? 

The cost of car service will depend on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of service you require. The cost of a full service in 2021 ranged from £151 to £204, while a basic service typically costs around £85-£115. However, it is recommended that most people opt for a mid-range service, which typically costs around £120-£180. This will provide the best balance of cost and quality for most drivers, as it includes all the important checks like brakes, tyres, fluids and more.